Hands on: Roku rocks as it slims down, adds 1080p support

Roku has slimmed down its range of set-top boxes and added 1080p, an updated …

Roku announced Wednesday that the company is revamping its line of three set-top boxes for streaming video. All three models come in a much smaller case, similar to the new Apple TV and about the size of two CD jewel cases. Some models also gain support for 1080p video output, while the top model can stream MPEG 4 files directly from a USB drive.

We got to spend a little time with the top-end Roku XD|S, which is competitively priced at $99.99. This model comes with all the A/V connectivity you might need, including HDMI, component video (using a special cable), composite video, digital optical audio, and analog stereo audio. For networking, it includes Ethernet and dual-band 802.11n WiFi. It supports up to 1080p video output, and also includes a USB port for hooking up a hard drive or flash drive to play back video from MP4 files (MOV support is promised in a later update).

The new Roku XD|S includes all the ports you might need. The lower-end XD and HD models drop the component video, digital optical audio, and USB ports.

Sitting in the middle is the Roku XD at $69.99, which drops the component video, optical audio, and USB ports. This model has 802.11n WiFi, but is limited to the 2.4GHz band. The XD is still capable of streaming 1080p video, though so far the only Roku-compatible source streaming 1080p is Vimeo. Roku told Ars that it's up to channel operators to support 1080p streams, but the option is now open to them.

Roku has dropped the standard-def-only Roku SD from the line. Instead, the new lineup starts at $59.99 for a slimmed down Roku HD, which maxes out at 720p resolution. Like the old HD model, it's also limited to 802.11g WiFi. It can output HDMI digital audio and video, or composite video and stereo analog audio. This "budget" model also includes a simpler remote—the same one that came with the previous generation boxes.

As we mentioned, our test unit was the top-end XD|S, which comes packaged with a slim power brick, composite video and analog stereo RCA cables, and a new remote control with some additional buttons (more on that in a minute). We would have liked to have seen an HDMI cable in the box—even a cheap one would do for most consumers—but savvy shoppers can rustle up an HDMI cable for less than $20. Roku also sent along a small flash drive with several 1080p movie trailers so we could see just how well that content looks on the 42" Vizio HDTV we had on hand.

The Roku XD|S includes a USB port on the front right of the device to easily connect a USB drive full of MPEG 4 video files.

Having used previous Roku models (I've tested all three in the past, and I own an original Roku HD), their small size was already impressive. The revamped models, however, are even smaller—they could be easily dwarfed by a full-size hard drive case. I haven't seen an Apple TV up close and in person yet, but based on the pictures we got at the product's unveiling, this new Roku is a little bit bigger in outline, but a little slimmer as well.

Like previous models, setup is about as simple as it could be. Plug in the power supply, connect your AV cables (HDMI makes this especially easy), and hit "OK" on the remote. The software guides you through setting up the network connection, and optionally configuring the video output for SD, 720p, or 1080p. You'll have to go to the configuration menu later to activate 5.1 surround sound—having the option to change this during the setup process wold be nice.

Previous Roku users will feel right at home, since the the UI is identical to older models.

Roku uses a simple alphanumeric code system to connect your device to the various services that require authorization. The first thing you set up is your Roku account. If you have a previous Roku device registered, your preferred channel setup will sync to your new device. Unfortunately, you'll still have to authorize the device with Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, Pandora, and other services. You'll want to have your laptop (or other mobile device) handy for entering the authorization codes. This process can get a little annoying if you have a lot of channels—it would be nice if Roku could figure out a way to authorize the device in one step by linking it to your Roku account.

Once you're set up, however, everything is as simple as before. The Roku software is designed to be very easy to use, and most of the navigation is done with up, down, left, right, and OK. The new remote, which is included with the XD and XD|S models, adds three new buttons to mix. A "back" button moves the UI back to the previous level—typically you drill down into options using the OK key, and you can press "up" to go back up. The back button does the same thing, but conceptually it will probably make more sense to most users.

The new, redesigned remote adds three new buttons for Roku XD and XD|S users.

The remote adds two other buttons in addition to "back." The "instant replay" button skips back in the video "several" seconds, without requiring the device to rebuffer as it would if you used the "rewind" button. Roku said the button can come in handy when you miss some bit of dialog or critical action, and it won't interrupt the stream coming into the buffer. There's also a new "info" button which can give you additional information about channels directly from the home screen. Hitting "info" when a particular channel is selected will let you rate or remove a channel directly. Support for the info button is in the latest Roku channel SDK, and it's possible the button's use could be extended later (for instance, to display the current show or movie info during playback—hint, hint, Roku).

We tested several video sources, including Netflix, Amazon VOD, TWiT.tv, and streamed the 1080p trailers that Roku provided for testing. One issue we noted was that the user interface is still in 720p resolution, even when the device is set to output 1080p. It wasn't that noticeable on a 42" screen from a comfortable viewing distance, but text did seem a little blurrier than expected. If you have a larger HDTV, it could be more bothersome.

Choosing files to play from an external USB drive is straightforward, and the UI can navigate into folders.

We've streamed plenty of content in 720p using a Roku in the past, so most sources looked as expected—just fine from a comfortable viewing distance. However, viewing the trailers in full 1080p really revealed what the Roku is capable of. With good source material, 1080p video is extremely sharp, with smooth colors and great textural detail. Going back to a 720p transfer of a TV show shot on Super16 film was quite disappointing by comparison; the transition was a little jarring. Once you get hooked on 1080p sources, you'll be begging Netflix and Amazon to support it.

The Roku XD|S can play back 1080p MP4 files like a champ from a flash drive.

One area that the Roku currently lacks, however, is support for streaming media stored on a computer or a DLNA-compatible NAS or other device. Apple's AirPlay feature could prove to be a killer addition to the Apple TV when its mobile devices become compatible with iOS 4.2. Many top Android devices also support DLNA streaming to compatible TVs or set-top boxes. However, this can likely be addressed with a firmware update down the road.

The slim hardware, lower entry-level price, and the compatibility with Netflix and Amazon VOD make Roku a viable option for anyone looking for a cheap set-top box without the investment in the iTunes or Apple ecosystem. If you already stream Netflix using a game console or other device, a Roku box can be an inexpensive option to add streaming to another TV in the house or to take it with you when you travel.

Additionally, its channel system offers a wide variety of additional content, including UFC bouts and MLB games, Pandora and MOG audio streaming, access to Flickr and Facebook photos, and more. The top-end XD|S also offers somewhat limited access to content scrounged online or ripped from your own video collection. For the price, any of the Roku models are a good choice to add streaming video to your AV setup.

i recommend going with Western Digital's offering in this category, specifically the Live box. It's recommended by the AVS folks and supports media servers, streaming video, shared folders, usb, has 1080p support etc.

i recommend going with Western Digital's offering in this category, specifically the Live box. It's recommended by the AVS folks and supports media servers, streaming video, shared folders, usb, has 1080p support etc.

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The WD TV Live HD >>> any of Roku's offerings, allows streaming of content over a home network, and has dramatically better codec support. The only issue I have is that the damn thing takes forever to start up and forever to scan for media.

However, this can likely be addressed with a firmware update down the road.

This kills any interest I would have in this right there. I hate having to wait for updates to get simple functionality like this.

I've had a few good streamers. Most of the ones in the past have only streamed from a PC or USB drive. This takes the exact opposite tactic and it doesn't make much sense. Why stream from USB only?

Now if you could upload content to the USB drive via the network, that might be a reasonable workaround, but still clumsy. No mention of audio from the drive though. Does it read and play music from the USB drive as well?

They look very compelling, although they cannot stream from home network, which is quite a shortcoming.

Anyway, I would not spend any money on this, or a WD box, or an Apple TV or anything else until I see GoogleTV. I think GTV is REALLY going to rock the boat, much more than the puny ATV. But then, it also appears that the price is going to be quite higher... So for a simple Netflix/Vimeo/Amazon client, these boxes may be good choice.

Hulu seems to always be missing from these things. Which is why I'm probably just going to get a Mac Mini and hook i up to my 46" LED TV. Hulu, Netflix, XBMC or VLC or Movist to watch any format of movie. Plus all the Web videos etc etc.

The no streaming kinda sucks, but maybe not a deal killer with the usb.

Anyone know if it can output from both the hdmi and composite simultaneously? Our current satellite box has a built in rf modulator so we can send downconverted video to other tv's in the house. I looked into doing something similar with the apple tv, but I'd have to rig up a hdfury and a downconverter to make that work ($$$).

I'd never buy a box that couldn't stream from a local PC, makes no sense to me.

Yup. Completely silly, and what kept me from pulling the trigger on one a week ago. I'm not going to pick one up on the promise that it could add that functionality with a later firmware update; I'll buy the product when it's done, thanks. Silly, silly, silly.

Other than that, yeah it looks like a great device. But playback over a local network is the first feature I'd look for, even before Netflix.

I'm excited because this means we are closer to the software update the article mentions for the old XRs. Attaching an external hard drive will be somewhat of an inconvenience instead of just streaming from my NAS, but it won't be too bad. I could fit most of the shows I want to watch on one drive anyway and only have to refresh the media on the drive from time to time.

What I'm worried about most is the codec support. I hope I don't have to convert any video files...

Tuco listed one of the options for streaming from a local media server. I've been using a different one called "Roksbox" documented here: http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=26058 ... when first developed this was free, but the developer now wants a small one-time payment to use the channel.

Works pretty good - but some technical knowledge is required to set up a web server on your local system for the Roku box to pull video/music/photos from.

I'd never buy a box that couldn't stream from a local PC, makes no sense to me.

Yup. Completely silly, and what kept me from pulling the trigger on one a week ago. I'm not going to pick one up on the promise that it could add that functionality with a later firmware update; I'll buy the product when it's done, thanks. Silly, silly, silly.

Other than that, yeah it looks like a great device. But playback over a local network is the first feature I'd look for, even before Netflix.

I agree that Roku should be addressing streaming from networked PCs, but keep in mind that there are tons of "normals" that don't have huge libraries of Bit-torrented and/or ripped movies on their computer. And though I have the technical knowledge to do it, I've never had the desire to rip all my DVDs or torrent files. I'm perfectly happy getting most of what I want from Netflix, and either buying the DVD or Amazon VOD if they don't have it.

It's simple, it works, and even my mom can use it without any help whatsoever. That's the main appeal of the Roku in my experience.

i recommend going with Western Digital's offering in this category, specifically the Live box. It's recommended by the AVS folks and supports media servers, streaming video, shared folders, usb, has 1080p support etc.

The product page for the WD Live product don't mention anything about Netflix or Amazon Unbox. Perhaps these are completely different products with different purposes.

Hulu seems to always be missing from these things. Which is why I'm probably just going to get a Mac Mini and hook i up to my 46" LED TV. Hulu, Netflix, XBMC or VLC or Movist to watch any format of movie. Plus all the Web videos etc etc.

I hate when people refer to their tv as an LED tv. Unless it is a true OLED screen. Nobody ever referred to their LCD tv as a CCFL tv. It's neat that the backlight is LED instead of CCFL but calling it an LED tv really does infer something much more awesome.

What's the best option if I want to watch television shows from, say, TNT, ABC, etc.? Sure, I can watch them on the computer, but I'd rather sit in my comfy recliner on the other side of the room, and watch on my larger HDTV.

I'd never buy a box that couldn't stream from a local PC, makes no sense to me.

Yup. Completely silly, and what kept me from pulling the trigger on one a week ago. I'm not going to pick one up on the promise that it could add that functionality with a later firmware update; I'll buy the product when it's done, thanks. Silly, silly, silly.

Other than that, yeah it looks like a great device. But playback over a local network is the first feature I'd look for, even before Netflix.

I agree that Roku should be addressing streaming from networked PCs, but keep in mind that there are tons of "normals" that don't have huge libraries of Bit-torrented and/or ripped movies on their computer. And though I have the technical knowledge to do it, I've never had the desire to rip all my DVDs or torrent files. I'm perfectly happy getting most of what I want from Netflix, and either buying the DVD or Amazon VOD if they don't have it.

It's simple, it works, and even my mom can use it without any help whatsoever. That's the main appeal of the Roku in my experience.

While I will conceed that there are people out there who don't have a digitial video collection on their computer. I wanted to point out that there are many more types of digital video other than bit-torrented or ripped. You can have home videos/self-produced, recorded videos as from mythtv or other DVR software. Amongst others.

As per the price seems pretty good, but for lack of network-computer streaming I still like the idea of an HTPC running xbmc or something similar.

I love my new XR|HD that I picked up last week. For me, I wanted something that could stream Netflix. For those of us that don't require network streaming it is a great little device.

I wouldn't buy any standalone box to do things like DLNA and other forms of network streaming. I see a lot of comments thrown around about mkv support and the like when reviews like this come up. Makes me glad I invested in a HTPC that is fully capable of handling my LAN streaming needs for the foreseeable future. I'd have preferred to integrate Netflix Streaming into my MythTV setup (as I have Hulu) so I don't have to use yet another remote, but until Silverlight DRM becomes playable on Linux I'm out of luck (I'm not holding my breath).

I don't have *much* on my PC, just some videos from Amazon's service (which was kind of a let down btw, so/so image quality), but I keep thinking that one day I'll rip my DVDs to it...for god's sakes I have a 750 gig HDD, might as well use it...

I usually just use old PCs stashed behind the TV stand but I would have been interested in a nice little $70-100 box that could take over my web and local streaming. Taking out the local streaming kinda kills it for me. Seems to be a common sentiment. The idea that "normals" don't need all that is beside the point. Why not a cheap streaming only model for them and a model for $20 more that supports LAN as well? I ripped all my DVDs years ago and don't really buy too many anymore. Even when I do, I just rip them to my media center and store the discs. The whole point for me is and always has been a phasing out of piles of plastic discs and papers and boxes and other "stuff" in favor of a backed up digital repository that I can access from any room in the house or on my mobile phone or other devices via services like Orb or the built in Windows 7 homegroup streaming thing. If there is a market for a more basic device as well as a more capable one, why not sell both models since the added hardware and software wouldn't cost much more to implement? I don't want a set top rental box. I want a small, powerful, inexpensive media center.

i recommend going with Western Digital's offering in this category, specifically the Live box. It's recommended by the AVS folks and supports media servers, streaming video, shared folders, usb, has 1080p support etc.

The product page for the WD Live product don't mention anything about Netflix or Amazon Unbox. Perhaps these are completely different products with different purposes.

You probably just looked at the old Live version. The newer Live Plus adds Netflix support. No Amazon or Hulu, though.